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‘Entourage’ Preview: New Woes for ‘Whiz Kid’ Vince

Can you believe it? This weekend’s episode of “Entourage” marks the halfway point of the HBO show’s abbreviated final season.

The episode – No. 4 of only eight episodes – is titled “Whiz Kid,” but the title has nothing to do with a brainy child. It’s a pun referring to Vincent Chase (Adrian Grenier), the clean-and-sober movie star who was nevertheless present at the suicide of a seriously drug-addicted acquaintance at the conclusion of last week’s episode. The incident took place in a home where cocaine was present, and now, “Whiz Kid” Vince faces a urine test to determine whether he’s back on the Bolivian marching powder.

He’s not – as far as we viewers can tell. But that won’t stop his pals, along with his strident publicist Shauna (Debi Mazar), from doing everything they can to ensure he passes the test. And in addition to that, Shauna will have to manage the fallout in the tabloids and other gossip media. And that’s where Vince’s storyline stands, heading into episode four (Sunday night at 10:30/9:30c on HBO).

As for the rest of Vince’s entourage, here’s where things stand with them:

Johnny Drama (Kevin Dillon): Vince’s actor big brother is trying to save his only current gig, “Johnny Bananas,” the animated series about two simian pals, from being destroyed by co-star Andrew Dice Clay’s ill-advised salary demands. Johnny was also hoping to star in a TV movie based on a script written by Vince, but the suicide last week by the flick’s potential producer may have derailed the movie.

Turtle (Jerry Ferrara): Now without a girlfriend or a flashy brand of vodka to promote, Turtle is poised to embark on a new venture – opening an L.A. version of his favorite Italian restaurant from back home in Queens, N.Y. – Don Peppe’s.

E (Kevin Connolly): Also without a girlfriend since Sloan (Emmanuelle Chriqui) broke up with him and then told him she’s moving to New York, E is still trying to build his management business, mend fences with Vince and, most recently, trying to manage his newest client, Andrew Dice Clay.

Ari (Jeremy Piven): It doesn’t look like Ari will be reconciling with Mrs. Ari (Perrey Reeves) anytime soon, now that she’s dating Bobby Flay (who has yet to actually appear on the show) and Ari slept with a former flame, Dana Gordon (Constance Zimmer). In this Sunday’s episode, Ari pays another visit to Flay’s L.A. eatery.

And now, you’re up-to-date and ready for episode four, premiering Sunday night at 10:30/9:30c on HBO.